Oh my goodness, do I have a delightful recipe to share with you today! If you’re looking for something light, fresh, and oh-so-tasty, then you really need to try my Strawberry Chicken and Spinach Pasta Salad. This dish is a game changer for summer picnics, potlucks, or even just a sunny day at home when you want to treat yourself to something special.
I can still remember the first time I made this salad. It was a warm afternoon, and I had just picked up a carton of fresh strawberries from the farmer’s market. I thought, “Why not throw together something inventive for lunch?” So, I rummaged through my fridge and pantry, and before I knew it, this beautiful salad came together. The combination of sweet strawberries with savory chicken and crunchy walnuts has become a winner in my household, and I know it will be in yours too!
What’s in Strawberry Chicken and Spinach Pasta Salad?
Let’s break down the ingredients so you can see how each component plays its part:
Fresh Baby Spinach: This leafy green is the base of our salad. Not only is it packed with vitamins and minerals, but it also adds a wonderful color and freshness.
Cooked Chicken Breast: I often use shredded or diced chicken breast. You can use leftovers or store-bought rotisserie chicken for convenience. It’s a great protein source that keeps you fuller longer!
Cooked Rotini Pasta: This fun and curly pasta holds onto the dressing and flavors beautifully. It adds a nice texture to the salad—plus, who doesn’t love twirling pasta?
Fresh Strawberries: The star of the show! Sweet, juicy strawberries provide a burst of flavor that contrasts perfectly with the other ingredients. Make sure to pick bright red ones for the best taste!
Walnuts: I like to sprinkle in some chopped walnuts for added crunch (and some healthy fats). If nuts aren’t your thing or if you have allergies, feel free to leave them out.
Feta Cheese: This is totally optional, but a sprinkle of crumbled feta adds a creamy, tangy finish that complements the salad perfectly.
Olive Oil: A drizzle of good quality olive oil binds everything together and adds richness.
Balsamic Vinegar: This gives our dressing a lovely acidity, balancing the sweetness of the strawberries.
Salt and Pepper: Always important for seasoning. A little pinch can elevate the whole dish!
Is Strawberry Chicken and Spinach Pasta Salad Good for You?
Well, this salad has several aspects that make it a healthy choice!
Baby Spinach: I love using spinach because it’s rich in iron, vitamin K, and antioxidants. It helps keep your bones strong and supports heart health.
Chicken Breast: A lean protein source that’s great for muscle repair and satiety. Perfect for a light lunch or dinner.
Strawberries: These delicious fruits are low in calories but high in vitamins C and A. They are also great for heart health and even have antioxidant properties!
But like anything, moderation is key. The optional ingredients like walnuts and feta cheese do add calories and fat, so if you’re watching your intake, you can scale back or leave them out entirely!
Let’s Make Strawberry Chicken and Spinach Pasta Salad!
Ready to whip this up? Let’s get cooking!
1. In a large bowl, combine the cooked rotini pasta, shredded chicken, and fresh baby spinach.
2. Add the sliced strawberries and chopped walnuts (if using) to the bowl.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
4. Drizzle the dressing over the pasta salad and toss gently to combine all ingredients well.
5. If desired, sprinkle feta cheese on top before serving.
6. Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes to enhance the flavors before serving.
Delicious Tips for Your Salad
Here are a few of my personal tips and variations that can take this salad to the next level:
– If you’re feeling adventurous, you can swap out the pasta for quinoa or couscous to add some variety.
– Try adding some sliced avocado for a creamy texture and healthy fats.
– To amp up the flavor, consider grilling your chicken before adding it to the salad. The smoky taste will add depth to your salad.
– This salad keeps pretty well, so it’s great for meal prepping or packing for lunches throughout the week. Just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat, so everything stays fresh!
I really hope you give this Strawberry Chicken and Spinach Pasta Salad a try. It’s truly as good as it sounds, and once you make it, I bet you’ll be making it again and again! If you do give it a shot, I’d love to hear how it turns out for you. Happy cooking, friends!
